Baku: A public court hearing continued on August 21 at the Baku Military Court concerning the criminal cases against several citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan and others, accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity. The accused are facing charges such as genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, and terrorism financing, amid Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the trial is presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, alongside judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev. The accused individuals were provided with translators and defense lawyers, ensuring fair representation. The courtroom was filled with the accused, their attorneys, victims, their legal heirs, and state prosecutors.
Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the judicial panel to the victims attending the trial for the first time, explaining their rights and obligations. The hearing continued with victims providing testimonies. Sonagul Shirinova, a legal heir, recounted the martyrdom of her brother and brother-in-law due to Armenian armed forces’ provocations in the early 1990s.
Elgin Abbasli shared his father’s displacement from Lachin in 1992 and his son’s death during the 2020 Patriotic War. Mustafa Aghayev described his injuries from an Armenian attack in 2021, while Vusala Salmanova and others recounted their forced displacement in 1992.
Gulnara Soltanova provided a harrowing account of being held hostage by Armenian forces in 1993, recounting the torture she endured. Ilgar Zaidov shared his experience of being a prisoner for over a year, subjected to severe abuse before release.
Rahila Hajiyeva shared her family’s capture during the Khojaly genocide, recounting horrific acts of violence witnessed. Gultekin Jalilova described her family’s escape from Kalbajar amid Armenian attacks in 1993, highlighting the suffering endured.
Victims Khadija Ahmadova, Lachin district residents, and others shared similar stories of displacement and loss due to Armenian aggression. Elvin Farhadli recounted his father’s recent death from an artillery strike in 2023. Anar Orujov emphasized the brutalities faced during the Khojaly tragedy.
Subsequently, a motion for a confidential meeting between Arayik Harutyunyan and his lawyer was granted, leading to a court recess. Upon resumption, testimonies continued, including Khankishi Gafarov’s account of being surrounded and tortured by Armenian forces in 1994.
Further testimonies included those forcibly displaced from Kalbajar and Lachin districts in 1993, recounting artillery shelling and village destruction. The session included questioning by state prosecutors and defense attorneys.
The trial will continue on August 22, seeking further elucidation on the alleged crimes committed during the conflict.